Species Profile
Environmental Conservation Online System

Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus)

Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Boidae

Listing Status:   

Where Listed: WHEREVER FOUND

General Information

The color is somewhat variable but usually ranges from pale to dark brown, sometimes grayish, with 7O to 8O darker colored blotches along the back from neck to vent. These dorsal blotches are generally dark-bordered with the centers of a lighter hue. Maximum size is approximately 6 and a half feet. Observations of captive specimens suggest that under natural conditions the diet of sub-adults and adults consists of birds, small mammals, and lizards. Rodr¡guez and Reagan (1984) report bat predation by the Puerto Rican boa. The boa feeds by seizing the prey in its jaws, wrapping several coils around the victim, and then constricting until the prey has suffocated. The prey is then swallowed head first. The feeding habits of the very young are unknown.

Map of Species occurrence

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Map Image Map of Species occurrence Map of Species occurrence

This map represents our best available information about where a species is currently known to or or is believed to occur; however, it should NOT be used as an official species list for Section 7 Consultation purposes. To obtain an official species list for this purpose, please visit the Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) System (click here: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac)



This species is listed wherever it is found, but
    • States/US Territories in which the Puerto Rican boa, Entire is known to or is believed to occur:  Puerto Rico
    • US Counties in which the Puerto Rican boa, Entire is known to or is believed to occur:  View All
Current Listing Status Summary
Status Date Listed Lead Region Where Listed
10/13/1970 Southeast Region (Region 4) Entire

» Federal Register Documents

Most Recent Federal Register Documents (Showing 3 of 3)
Date Citation Page Title
09/12/2005 70 FR 53807 53808 5-Year Review of Eight Southeastern Species
10/13/1970 35 FR 16047 16048 Appendix D - United States List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife; 35 FR 16047 16048
08/25/1970 35 FR 13519 13520 Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Conservation of Endangered Species and Other Fish or Wildlife)

» Recovery

Recovery Plan Information Search
Current Recovery Plan(s)
Date Title Plan Action Status Plan Status
03/27/1986 Recovery Plan for the Puerto Rican Boa View Implementation Progress Final
Other Recovery Documents (Showing 1 of 1)
Date Citation Page Title Document Type
09/12/2005 70 FR 53807 53808 5-Year Review of Eight Southeastern Species
  • Notice 5-year Review
    • Five Year Review
    Date Title
    09/16/2011 Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation

    » Critical Habitat

    No critical habitat rules have been published for the Puerto Rican boa, Entire.

    » Conservation Plans

    No conservation plans have been created for Puerto Rican boa, Entire

    » Petitions

    No petition findings have been published for the Puerto Rican boa, Entire.

    » Life History

    No Life History information has been entered into this system for this species.

    » Other Resources

    NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

    ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

    Last updated: June 19, 2013